At my publishers my contract has me making $1.56 per hard copy book and $3.00 electronic books is that normal for first time authors? Second I've heard on internet the average salary for first time author is approx 4,000 in first yr would you happen to have any idea how close to truth that might be? Third any idea how to get illistrations cheaply?
You have asked three questions so I will take them in order. Book pricing has so many variables, so I don't have an opinion on your book. I have never read anything about an average salary for a first time author so I can't really comment on that. As for illustrations, you can sometimes find resources at local colleges or on sites like Fivvr.com
I would assume that a new author would research many books of the same genre and track the high and low pricing, evaluate the number of pages per book, the popularity of the authors and come up with a price range that is acceptable for that genre and specific topic.